Proper resume formatting helps your document appear professional and improves how it's processed by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This guide covers the key elements of resume formatting for 2026.
1. Font Guidelines
✓ Recommended Fonts
- Arial (Sans-serif) - Modern, clean, highly readable
- Calibri (Sans-serif) - Modern, professional, Microsoft default
- Times New Roman (Serif) - Traditional, formal, widely accepted
- Verdana (Sans-serif) - Highly readable, good for screen viewing
✗ Fonts to Avoid
- Comic Sans - Unprofessional
- Papyrus - Overused, informal
- Script/Cursive fonts - Hard to read
- More than 2 fonts - Looks messy
📏 Font Sizes (2026 Standard)
2. Margins & Spacing
📐 Margins
- 0.5 inches: Maximum content space - Can look cramped
- 0.7 inches: Good balance - None, recommended
- 1 inch: Traditional, spacious - Less content per page
✓ Recommended: 0.7-0.8 inches
📏 Line Spacing
- Body text: 1.0 to 1.15
- Between sections: 1.5 to 2.0
- Between bullets: 0.8 to 1.0
3. File Format: Which One to Use?
✓ Pros: Preserves formatting, professional, universal
✗ Cons: Some old ATS may struggle
📌 Best for: Most applications
DOCX
✓ Pros: ATS-friendly, easily parsed
✗ Cons: Formatting may shift
📌 Best for: When specifically requested
⚠️ Avoid These Formats
- JPEG/PNG (images)
- Pages (Mac-only)
- ZIP files
💡 Rule of thumb: Use PDF unless the employer specifically requests another format.
4. Section Order: What Goes Where?
Standard Resume Order (2026):
5. ATS-Friendly Formatting
✓ DO
- Use standard section headings (Work Experience, Education, Skills)
- Use simple bullet points (• or -)
- Save as PDF or simple DOCX
- Keep contact info in body
- Use single-column layout
✗ DON'T
- Use creative headings like 'Where I've Worked'
- Use special symbols or icons for bullets
- Save as JPEG, PNG, or password-protected files
- Put contact info in headers or footers
- Use tables, columns, or text boxes
6. Resume Length: How Many Pages?
Entry Level
Mid-Level
Senior Level
7. Common Formatting Mistakes to Avoid
- Inconsistent formatting: Different bullet styles or spacing throughout
- Too many fonts: Stick to 1-2 fonts maximum
- Margins too small: Less than 0.5 inches looks cramped
- Contact info in header/footer: ATS may miss this information
- Using tables or columns: Can confuse ATS parsing
- Generic file names: Use "FirstName_LastName_Resume_2026.pdf"
- Text boxes: Information may be ignored by ATS
✓ Resume Formatting Checklist
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best font for a resume in 2026?
Standard professional fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, and Verdana are recommended. Use 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for headings.
What margins should I use on my resume?
Use margins between 0.5 and 1 inch on all sides. The recommended range is 0.7-0.8 inches for most resumes to balance readability and space.
Should I save my resume as PDF or Word?
PDF is generally recommended as it preserves formatting across all devices. Save as DOCX only if the employer specifically requests it.
How do I make my resume ATS-friendly?
Use standard section headings, avoid tables and columns, don't put contact info in headers/footers, use simple bullet points, and include keywords from the job description.
How many pages should my resume be?
Entry-level: 1 page. Mid-level (3-7 years): 1-2 pages. Senior-level (8+ years): 2 pages. Quality over quantity.
Free Formatting Checklist
Download our printable formatting checklist to review your resume before submitting.